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Cueing Academy

Pool glossary · Shot Types

Break shot

Also called: Break, Opening break

How do you break in pool?

The break is the opening shot that splits the rack. A good break is controlled power: a square, center hit on the head ball, keeping the cue ball in the middle of the table and pocketing at least one ball.

Step by step

  1. 1Place the cue ball in the kitchen — near the side rail for 8-ball (second-ball break) or center for a head-ball break.
  2. 2Use a firm bridge and aim at the center of the head ball.
  3. 3Hit slightly above or at center, accelerating through the ball at controlled speed.
  4. 4Watch where the cue ball finishes: it should stop near the center of the table.

In more detail

Under WPA 8-ball rules, a legal break must pocket a ball or drive at least four object balls to a cushion. The cue ball staying near the center after a full, square hit matters more than maximum speed.

People also ask

What is the best way to break in 8-ball?

A square hit on the head ball or second ball with controlled power. Accuracy and cue-ball control beat raw speed for most players.

What happens if you pot the 8 on the break?

Under WPA rules it is not a loss: the breaker may re-rack and break again or spot the 8 and continue. Bar and league rules can differ.

Train it at the table

More guides on break shot